Cost of Powerball tickets doubling

One of the state’s most popular lottery games is going to cost more starting Jan. 15. Lottery officials say winning tickets will pay more too. KJZZ’s Al Macias reports.

AL MACIAS: A ticket for the Powerball lottery will now cost $2. Since 1994, Powerball tickets have cost a buck. Officials say the higher price will mean more revenue for the 44 states in the multi-state lottery. The Power ball generated a little over $26 million for Arizona last year. Kim McGlaughlin is with the state lottery, she says surveys show the new prices will not scare off buyers.

KIM MCGLAUGHLIN: 83 percent of our regular powerball players said they would continue to play at the $2 price…that was encouraging news for us.

AL MACIAS: Some critics say that many people who play the lottery are those who can least afford to gamble. McGlaughlin says even with the new price the lottery encourages responsible playing.

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